4-time Olympic champion Emil Hegle Svendsen announced his retirement.

Norwegian biathlete announced his decision at a special press conference with tears in his eyes.

"I wanted to participate in the World Cup next year, but I decided that it's worth finishing my career after the Olympics. I decided it was time to finish. It was harder than I thought.

I wish I had Bjerndalen's motivation to continue for several more years, but I do not have it, "said the 32-year-old athlete quoted by VG.

Svendsen became Olympic Champion four times and 12 times world champion.

Earlier on the completion of his career, the 44-year-old Norwegian Ole-Einar Bjorndalen.